"IATA CEO calls on EU Commission to drive down airport passenger charges"

Friday, April 7, 2006

IATA CEO calls on EU Commission to drive down airport passenger charges 

 
BRUSSELS (AFX) - The chief executive of the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) has called on the European Commission to step up its
adoption of EU-wide laws to cut airport passenger charges. 

Giovanni Bisignani, director general and CEO, said: 'Far too many airports
are not delivering the competitiveness that Europe needs. Fifteen of the 25
most expensive airports in the world are in Europe.' 

'Between 2001 and 2004 we have seen increases in cost per passenger at
Aeroports de Paris, Amsterdam, Stockholm and Munich to name but a few. These
are embarrassing examples of airport monopolies living in the dark ages,' he
said. 

The IATA said charges rose 44 pct at Aeroports de Paris, 34 pct in
Amsterdam, 35 pct in Stockholm and 26 pct in Munich. 

Bisignani said Manchester, Rome and Birmingham airports -- with 38 pct, 25
pct and 13 pct lowered costs respectively -- were good examples of airports
with on track cost reduction strategies. 

The commission yesterday started two days of consultation talks with
Europe's air industry, including the IATA, in order to combat monopolistic
airport business practices. 

EU transport commissioner Jacques Barrot met with representatives from
airlines, airports and trade organisations to discuss airport charges,
passenger taxes from landing fees and airline services such as baggage and
freight handling. 

The IATA represents 265 airlines and 94 pct of scheduled international
traffic. Airlines contribute 45 bln usd to Europe's GDP and support over 370
bln usd in economic activity, the association said.


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